Stitch in time saves lives: Swiss artists auction record-breaking embroidery for charity
A generous group of volunteers in Hergiswil, Switzerland have set a exqui-stitch Guinness World Records title for the most contributions to an embroidery, after assembling 735 unique pieces into a brilliant tapestry to auction off for charity.
Coordinated by Cornelia Maggi and Stiftung für Kinder in der Schweiz (Foundation for Children in Switzerland; both Switzerland), the event was hosted on 13 June as part of a multi-generational attempt to unite people through the power of art.
After instructing volunteers on how to use mechanical embroidery machines, participants turned their own designs into individual motifs that represent Switzerland – such as intricate nature scenes, recreations of local and national flags, and beloved animals. The country is celebrating its 735th birthday this 1 August, and the organizers wanted to turn the occasion into a record-breaking artistic opportunity to help their community.
Following the completion of the tapestry, the entire embroidery piece will be auctioned off, with all of the proceeds going to the aforementioned children’s charity.
“We launched this Guinness World Records attempt to send a clear and lasting message – that ordinary people, standing together, can achieve something extraordinary,” said Cornelia to GWR.
“And because our foundation is dedicated to children in need, every stitch carries a deeper purpose: to show that when we stand up for one another, we can move mountains – and create a shared work of art that will, this autumn, help those who need it most.”
Cornelia started the charity alongside her husband Romeo Maggi, with the core belief that people can achieve great things when they stand together. The organization is focused on supporting disadvantaged children within the country, and Cornelia is proud to say that they’ve provided grants, therapy funding, and other services for those in need.
The embroidery attempt was their most recent fundraising effort, and promises to continue their mission of goodwill throughout Switzerland.
“In this way, a creative community project also became a social statement,” she remarked. “People of different generations, regions and countries came together to create something unique and to help others through it.
“That was the societal impact: we brought people together, gave them a shared purpose and showed that craftsmanship can be not only beautiful – but also meaningful and helpful.”
Before the attempt could be completed, significant organization was required from the teams, which were located across Switzerland and Germany. Volunteers arrived in Hergiswil from all across Europe, and entered the event space excited to take part in the artistic activities.
Upon arrival, they were met by staff, and took their places at the long wooden tables that filled the room.
And soon enough, the hall was filled with the sounds of whirring machinery, chatter and sewing tips, and laughter – as participants regardless of age or skill level worked together on their art.
“What made us strong was our trust in one another. Even when problems arose, we were able to stay calm, keep a clear head and look for solutions together,” said Cornelia.
“We never stopped believing that we could make it. We also knew how many people believed in us and in this project… [and] that is why we kept going, day and night.”
Finally, on 13 June, the group was able to combine all 735 embroidery contributions into one massive sheet – and the organizers enthusiastically asked Guinness World Records Adjudicator Seyda Subasi-Gemici to confirm if they had taken the record.
Stitch by stitch, she went over their work, until eventually she was able to affirm that it was successful!
The group was so excited to learn of their record-breaking status, and they joyfully hoisted their Guinness World Records certificate into the air once they heard the good news.
“We always say: ‘Embroidery connects,’” Cornelia stated. “On that day, this was not just a phrase. It became truly visible and tangible.
“Children embroidered with us, older people embroidered with us, people with a great deal of experience took part, but also people who had never embroidered before. Nevertheless, they came, they dared to try, and they became part of this record.
“We are proud that we were able to inspire so many people. But most of all, we are proud that this record was not carried by one single person, but by an entire community. Every stitch, every motif and every helping hand became part of something much bigger.”
So congratulations to Cornelia and all the volunteers at Stiftung für Kinder in der Schweiz – you are Officially Amazing!